Electric wire

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides electrical cables that can be surely discriminated from one another, even when only a part of an outer surface of each cable is exposed. An electrical cable  1  has an electrically conductive core  5  and a sheathing layer  6  covering the core  5 . The sheathing layer  6  has an outer surface  6   a  with a mono-color. On the outer surface  6   a , a first mark  7  and a second mark  8  are provided. At an end  1   a  of the cable  1 , the first mark  7  is provided on a first outer surface  1   b  while the second mark  8  is provided on a second outer surface  1   c  positioned oppositely to the first surface  1   b  of the sheathing layer  6 . On the first outer surface  1   b , a plurality of the first and second marks  7, 8  are provided to be alternately positioned in a longitudinal direction of the cable  1 . The first mark  7  has a first color R while the second mark  8  has a second color G different from the first color R. Desirable variation in hue of the first and second colors R, G allows discrimination of the cables  1  from each other.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an electrical cable having a conductorcore and an insulating sheathing layer covering the core.

BACKGROUND ART

Automotive vehicles have various types of electronics instrumentsmounted therein. Therefore, wiring harnesses are arranged for supplyingelectrical powers from a battery to electronics instruments and fortransmitting control signals from a computer. The wiring harness has aplurality of electrical cables 100 shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B and connectorsattached to ends of cables.

As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, the cable 100 has a conductor core 101 and asheathing layer 102. The sheathing layer 102 is made of an insulatingsynthetic material to cover the core 101. That is, the cable 100 is aso-called covered cable. The cable 100 is defined with a step thatextrudes an insulating synthetic resin-material on an outer surface ofthe core 101. The synthetic resin is mixed with a colorant during theextrude process to color the sheathing layer to have a desired color.

The connector has a conductor terminal and a connector housing. Theterminal is fitted to an end of the cable 100 to connect with the core101 of the cable 100. The connector housing is a box to define aterminal accommodation chamber receiving the terminal.

In an assembling process of the wiring harness, the cable 100 is cut toobtain a desirable length, and then a terminal is fitted to an end ofthe cable 100. When desired, a plurality of the cables 100 are connectedto each other. Thereafter, the terminal is inserted into the connectorhousing to assemble the wiring harness.

It is necessary that the cable 100 is recognized in the diameter of thecore 101, the material of the sheathing layer 102, and applications ofthe cable. The material of the sheathing layer 102 is selected, forexample, in view of a heat resistant performance. The applications ofthe cable 100 include systems for the vehicle such as an air bag, an ABS(antilock brake system), a power transmission mechanism, and atransmission device for signals including vehicle speeds.

To recognize applications of the cable, the cable 100 has a sheathinglayer 102 with an outer surface 102 a that is provided with a stripepattern. The stripe pattern shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B has two diagonalparallel bands each having a color A or B, and the two colors A and Bare different from each other. In production of the cable 100 shown inFIG. 9, a colorant having the color A is mixed in a synthetic resinmaterial during extrusion forming of the sheathing layer 102. After theextrusion forming, the outer surface 102 a is partially colored with acolorant having the color B.

The cable 100 shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B has a first part having the firstcolor A and a and a second part having the second color B. The first andsecond parts each extend in a longitudinal direction of the cableparallel with each other. The first part has a width broader than thatof the second part.

Meanwhile, there are various requests from users for automotivevehicles. To answer the requests, many various types of electronicinstruments are desired to be mounted on the vehicles. Thus, forexample, a hundred of types of electrical cables 100 will be prepared toobtain the wiring harnesses. The cables 100 have various colors.

The cable 100 shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B can have various colors by thecombination of the color A of the colorant mixed in the synthetic resinmaterial constituting the sheathing layer 102 and the color B forpartially coloring the sheathing layer 102. However, when the cables 100have a small diameter, the cables tend to be difficult in discriminationof them from one another.

Hence, the applicant of the present invention has proposed that a firstmark having a first color and a second mark having a second color areprovided on an outer surface of a cable in its longitudinal direction.The first and second marks are alternately provided in the longitudinaldirection so that a plurality of the cables are easily distinguishedfrom one another.

The wiring harness is fitted with several types of covering fittingssuch as harness covering tubes, harness protectors, and harnessgrommets. The covering fittings generally cover the cables. Thus, one ofthe alternately positioned first and second marks may be covered by thecovering fittings not to be recognized.

In this case, the discrimination of the cables is difficult so thatterminals fitted to the cables can not be correctly inserted intocorresponding terminal chambers.

Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide an electrical cablethat can be surely discriminated from one another, even when only a partof an outer surface of the cable is exposed.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

For achieving the object, an electrical cable described in claim 1 ofthe present invention has an electrically conductive core and asheathing layer covering the core. The sheathing layer is made of asynthetic resin material and has anouter surface with a mono-color. Thecable includes:

-   -   a first mark having a first color and provided on a first part        of an outer surface of the sheathing layer, and    -   a second mark having a second color and provided on a second        part of the outer surface of the sheathing layer. The second        color is different from the first color, and the second part is        positioned oppositely to the first side in a lateral direction        of the cable. The first mark is longer than the second mark in a        longitudinal direction of the cable.

Since the second mark is positioned in the opposite side of the firstmark, the first and second marks are easily recognized even when theouter surface of the cable is partially exposed.

The cables may have a non-colored outer surface, so that the first andsecond colors are desirably selected to obtain various kinds of thecables differently colored.

In this specification, a colorant is applied to color the outer surfaceof the sheathing layer of the cable. The colorant is a liquid(industrial organic matter) in which a coloring material is dissolvedand distributed in a solvent such as water. The organic matter is a dyeor a pigment (a synthetic material mainly composed of organic matters).The dye may be utilized as a pigment and vice versa. In thespecification, the colorant means both a coloring liquid and a paint.

The coloring liquid has a dye dissolved or distributed in a solvent. Thepaint has a pigment distributed in a solvent. The dye soaks into thesheathing layer of the cable when the coloring liquid colors thesheathing layer. Meanwhile, the pigment does not soak into the sheathinglayer of the cable but adheres to an outer surface of the sheathinglayer, when the coloring liquid colors the sheathing layer. In thespecification, the coloring of the cable sheathing layer with thecoloring liquid means that the dye soaks partially into the outersurface of the sheathing layer or that the pigment coats partially theouter surface of the sheathing layer.

Preferably, the solvent and the dispersion are affinitive with asynthetic resin constituting the sheathing layer. Thereby, the dyesurely soaks into the sheathing layer or the pigment surely adheres tothe outer surface of sheathing layer.

Preferably the first and second marks are positioned at an end of thecable.

The first and second marks positioned at an end of the cable are usefulto surely distinguish the cables from each other at the cable end. Thus,terminals connected to an end of the cable are correctly received incorresponding terminal chambers of the connector housing.

Preferably the sheathing layer of the cable has a first outer surfaceand a second outer surface, the first and second outer surfaces eachextending in a longitudinal direction of the cable, the first outersurface positioned oppositely to the second outer surface in a lateraldirection of the cable, at least one of thefirst and second outersurfaces provided with a plurality of the first and second marks thatare alternately positioned. The first and second marks can have acomparatively larger, circumferential width.

Preferably at least three of the first and second marks are provided atthe end of the cable. Thus, the first and second marks are surelyrecognized at the end of the cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electrical cable according to afirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are explanative views showing the cable of FIG. 1,the figures being sequentially a top view taken along arrow IIA of FIG.1, a side view taken along arrow IIB of FIG. 1, and a bottom view takenalong arrow IIC of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 11 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing configurations of a cable cuttingapparatus having a marking unit providing marks on the cable of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an explanative view showing construction of the marking unitof FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an electrical cable according to asecond embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are explanative views showing the cable of FIG. 6,the figures being sequentially a top view taken along arrow VIIA of FIG.6, a side view taken along arrow VIIB of FIG. 6, and a bottom view takenalong arrow VIIC of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing one end of an electrical cableaccording to a modified embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanative views showing a conventional electricalcable, the figures being sequentially a perspective view and a sideview.

BEST MODE EMBODYING THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a first embodiment of the present inventionwill be discussed hereinafter. FIG. 1 shows an electrical cable 1according to the first embodiment, which is applied to a wiring harnessarranged in an automotive vehicle. The wiring harness has a plurality ofelectrical cables 1, connectors, harness covering tubes, harnessprotectors, and grommets, and other covering fittings.

Each connector has a connector housing accommodating a plurality ofterminals. Each terminal is made of a conductor metal plate and isfitted to one end 1 a of an electrical cable 1. The terminal iselectrically connected to a conductor core 5 of the cable 1. Theconnector housing is made of an insulating synthetic resin material andis configured in a box shape. The connector housing has a plurality ofterminal chambers accommodating the terminals.

The covering fittings such as the harness tubes are made of aninsulating synthetic resin and are configured in a pipe or trough shape.The covering fittings cover the cable 1 and are secured to the cable 1with winding tapes.

To assemble the wiring harness, firstly, the cable 1 is cut to have adesired length, and a terminal is fitted to one end 1 a of the cable 1.Then, a plurality of the cables with the terminals are bundled, and thecovering fittings cover the bundled cables at desirable positions. Thebundled cables and the covering fittings are secured to each other withwinding tapes.

When the covering fittings are fitted to the cables 1, the ends 1 a ofthe cables are remained to be exposed and not to be covered by thecovering fittings. At the ends 1 a of the cables 1, the cables aredistinguished from each other based on a first mark 7 having a firstcolor R and a second mark 8 having a second color G. Thereby, theterminals fitted to the cables 1 can be inserted into correspondingterminal chambers.

The wiring harness is thus assembled. The completed wiring harness isarranged in an automotive vehicle and the connectors of the wiringharness are coupled to other connectors of electronic instruments. Thewiring harness supplies powers and signals to the electronicinstruments. Note that the cable end 1 a means a tip and its adjoiningportion of the cable.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cable 1 of the wiring harness has a conductorcore 5 and an insulating sheathing layer 6. The core 5 is a strandhaving a plurality of core wires made of an electrically conductivemetal. The core 5 may be constituted by a single wire. The sheathinglayer 6 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin such as a polyvinylchloride (PVC). The sheathing layer 6 surrounds the core 5, so that theouter surface 6 a of the sheathing layer 6 is an outer surface of thecable 1.

The outer surface 6 a of the sheathing layer 6 has a mono-color P. Themono-color of the outer surface 6 a of the sheathing layer 6 may berealized by mixing a desired colorant with a synthetic resinconstituting the sheathing layer 6. Alternatively, the mono-color may bethe original color of the synthetic resin. In the latter case, thesheathing layer 6 or the outer surface 6 a of the cable 1 is referred tobe non-colored.

In the embodiment, a colorant having a white color is mixed with asynthetic resin constituting the sheathing layer 6 so that the outersurface 6 a has a white mono-color P.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 2C, there are provided a first mark 7and 8 on the outer surface 6 a of the cable 1. As shown in FIGS. 2B and3, there are provided a first mark 7 and a second mark 8 on the one end1 a of the cable 1. At the one end 1 a, the mark 7 is provided on afirst surface 1 b positioned in an upper part of the cable 1 in FIG. 3.Meanwhile, the second mark 8 is provided on a second surface 1 cpositioned in a lower part of the cable 1 in FIG. 3. That is, the secondsurface 1 c is located in a side opposite to the first surface 1 b. Inthis specification, the first surface 1 b is an upper half of the outersurface 6 a of the cable 1 in FIG. 3, while the second surface 1 c is alower half of the outer surface 6 a of the cable 1 in FIG. 3.

That is, the first surface 1 b and the second surface 1 c aresymmetrically positioned oppositely to each other with an axial center C(shown by a chain line in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the cable 1 therebetween.The axial center C is a line passing the center of the core 5 in alongitudinal direction of the cable 1.

As described above, the second mark 8 is positioned in a rear side ofthe first mark 7. The rear side is a range where a line La or a line Lbpassing the axial center C is more than 90° (angle θ) relative to avertical line in FIG. 3. That is, the rear side is a range D of theouter surface 6 a in FIG. 3.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first mark 7 and the second mark8 are symmetrically positioned with regard to the axial center C.However, in the invention, a middle C2 of the second mark 8 may bepositioned in the range D even when the mark 7 and the second mark 8 arenot arranged symmetrically with regard to the axial center C.

Furthermore, the first mark 7 and the second mark 8 are alternatelypositioned in a longitudinal direction of the cable 1 on the firstsurface 1 b. On the first surface 1 b of the sheathing layer 6, thefirst mark 7 and the second mark 8 are positioned with a distancetherebetween over the overall length of the cable 1 along a longitudinaldirection of the cable 1.

The first mark 7 extends straight in the longitudinal direction of thecable 1. The first mark 7 has a first color R (shown with paralleldiagonal lines in FIG. 1). Thus, the first mark 7 colors a part of theouter surface 6 a with the first color R. The first color R may bedifferent from the mono-color P or may be the same as the mono-color P.

The second mark 8 extends straight in the longitudinal direction of thecable 1. The second mark 8 has a second color G (shown by paralleldiagonal lines in FIG. 1). The second color G is different from thefirst color R. Thus, the second mark 8 colors a part of the outersurface 6 a with the second color G. The second color G may be differentfrom the mono-color P or may be the same as the mono-color P.

The first mark 7 has a predetermined length L1 in a longitudinaldirection of the cable 1. Adjacent two of the first and second marks 7,8 are spaced with a predetermined distance D1 in a longitudinaldirection of the cable 1. Adjacent two of the first and second marks 7,8 are spaced with a predetermined distance D2 (see FIG. 3) in acircumferential direction of the cable 1. The second mark 8 has apredetermined length L2 in a longitudinal direction of the cable 1. Thelength L1 is longer than the length L2.

The cable 1 has the first color R and the second color G which aredesirably selected in hue. The desirable selection of the first color Rand the second color G allows discrimination of the cables 1 from eachother. In a wiring harness used in an automotive vehicle, combinationsof the first color R and the second color G of the cables 1 can showtypes of the cables and systems employing the cables. Preferably, thecombination of the first color R and the second color G of the cables 1is determined similarly to that of the colors A, B of the conventionalcables 100. That is, the colors R, G are applied for recognition ofapplication of the cables 1.

The combinations of the first color R and the second color G correspondto connector housings receiving terminals fitted to the ends 1 a of thecables 1. In FIG. 3, the first and second marks 7, 8 are realized by acoloring liquid discussed later.

To provide the first and second marks 7, 8 on the outer surface 6 a ofsheathing layer 6 of the cable, a marking unit 21 shown in FIG. 4 isemployed. The marking unit 21 is mounted on a cable cutting installation20 as shown in FIG. 4.

The cable cutting installation 20, as illustrated in FIG. 4, has a mainbody 22 disposed on a floor in a factory, a feed length measuring unit23, and a cutting unit 24. The main body 22 is configured in a boxshape. The feed length measuring unit 23 has a pair of feeding beltunits 25.

Each feeding belt unit 25 has a driving pulley 26, a plurality offollower pulleys 27, and an endless belt 28. The driving pulley 26 isdriven to rotate by a drive unit such as a motor. Each follower pulley27 is rotatably supported on the main body 22. The endless belt 28 is aring belt that surrounds the driving pulley 14 and the follower pulleys15 such that the endless belt 28 moves along the driving pulley 26 andthe follower pulleys 27.

The pair of feeding belt units 25 are vertically disposed parallel witheach other. The pair of feeding belt units 25 pinch the electrical cable1 therebetween, and the two driving pulleys 26 rotate at the same speedas each other but each in a direction opposed to each other. Thisrotates the endless belts 28 to feed the electrical cable 1 as much as agiven length.

The feeding belt units 25 feed the electrical cable 1 in a longitudinaldirection of the cable 1 which is shown by an arrow K in FIG. 4. Thearrow K is along a horizontal direction.

The cutting unit 24 is positioned downstream from the pair of feedingbelt units 25 in the arrow direction K. The cutting unit 24 has a pairof cutting blades 29 and 30 which align with each other vertically. Thecutting blades 29 and 30 come close to and apart from each other. Thepair of cutting blades 29 and 30 come close to each other to pinch theelectrical cable 1 fed by the pair of feeding belt units 25 therebetweento cut the cable 1. The pair of cutting blades 29 and 30 come apart fromeach other to release the cable 1.

Thus configured cutting installation 20 pinches the electrical cable 1between the pair of feeding belt units 25 to feed the cable along thearrow K while the pair of cutting blades 29 and 30 of the cutting unit24 are still apart from each other. After the electrical cable 1 is fedas much as the given length, the driving pulleys 26 of the pair offeeding belt units 25 stop. Then, the pair of cutting blades 29 and 30come close to each other to pinch and cut the electrical cable 1therebetween. Then the cutting installation 20 feeds the electricalcable 1 along the arrow k again.

The marking unit 21 provides the first and second marks 7, 8 on theouter surface 6 a of the electrical cable 1. As illustrated in FIG. 5,the marking unit 21 has a plurality of coloring jet units 31, an encoder33 that is a detection means, and a control unit 34. In the illustratedembodiment, there are provided three of the coloring jet units 31, whichare called hereinafter as a first coloring jet unit 31 a, a secondcoloring jet unit 31 b, and a third coloring jet unit 31 c.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the coloring jet units 31 a, 31 b, 31 c aredisposed between the pair of feeding belt units 25 of the feed lengthmeasuring unit 23 and the pair of cutting blades 29, 30 of the cuttingunit 14. Each coloring jet unit 31 a, 31 b, or 31 c has a nozzle 35 anda valve 36. The nozzle 35 is opposed to the electrical cable 1 that ismoved along the arrow K by the pair of feeding belt units 25. The nozzle35 receives a colorant R or G from a colorant supply 37 (FIG. 5).

The valve 36 communicates with the nozzle 35, and the valve 36communicates with a pressurized gas supply 38 (FIG. 5). The pressurizedgas supply 38 supplies a pressurized gas to the nozzle 35 through thevalve 36. The opening of the valve 36 jets the colorant toward the outersurface 6 a of the electrical cable 1 through the nozzle 35 by means ofthe pressurized gas supplied from the pressurized gas supply 38.

The closing of valve 36 stops jetting of the colorant through the nozzle35. The nozzles 35 of the first and third coloring jet units 31 a and 31c are arranged in a row in the direction K above the cable 1. The nozzle35 of the second coloring jet unit 31 b is positioned under the cable 1.The first coloring jet unit 31 a is opposed vertically to the secondcoloring jet unit 31 b with the cable 1 therebetween.

The valve 36 opens during a predetermined time based on signals of thecontrol unit 34 so that each coloring jet unit 31 a, 31 b, or 31 c jetsa given amount of the colorant having the given color R or G toward theouter surface 6 a of the electrical cable 1.

The colorant is a liquid-like material including a coloring material(industrial organic material) dispersedly dissolved in a solvent such aswater. The colorant is a die or a pigment, which is generally organicand synthetic. A pigment is sometimes used as a die, and vice versa.More specifically, the colorant T may be either of a coloring liquid anda coating material.

The coloring liquid includes a die dispersed in a solution liquid, andthe coating material includes a pigment dispersed in a dispersionliquid. Thus, the die soaks into a sheathing layer when the sheathinglayer is coated with the colorant. In the meantime, the pigment adhereson an outer surface 6 a of a sheathing layer 6 without soaking into thesheathing layer 6 when the sheathing layer 6 is coated with the coatingmaterial.

The coloring jet units 31 a, 31 b, and 31 c color a partial outersurface 6 a of the electrical cable 1 with the die or paint or with thepigment. The marking on the partial outer surface 6 a of the electricalcable 1 means to color the partial outer surface 6 a of the electricalcable 1 with the die or to paint the partial outer surface 6 a of theelectrical cable 1 with the pigment.

Preferably, the solvent and the dispersion liquid may be affinitive witha synthetic resin material defining the sheathing layer 6. This makes itsure that the die soaks into the sheathing layer 6 and that the pigmentadheres to the outer surface 6 a of the sheathing layer 6.

The nozzles 35 of the coloring jet units 31 a, 31 b, and 31 c jet theliquid-like colorant on the outer surface 6 a of the cable 1 with thecolorant composed of liquid drops.

The encoder 33 outputs information corresponding to the moving speed ofthe electrical cable 1 to the control unit 34. The control unit 34 is acomputer having a ROM (Read-only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory),and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 47. The control unit 34 iselectrically connected to the encoder 33 and the valve 36 to carry outthe whole control of the marking unit 21.

The control unit 34 stores a data of the lengths L1, L2 and thedistances D1, D2 of the marks 7, 8 that are provided on the outersurface 6 a of the cable 1. That is, the control unit 34 stores apattern of the marks 7, 8 provided on the outer surface 6 a.

The control unit 34 stores the distance between the nozzles 35 of thefirst and third coloring jet units 31 a, 31 c. The control unit 34 opensand closes the valves 36 based on information provided from the encoder33 so that the first to third coloring jet units 31 a, 31 b, 31 c canjet the colorants toward the outer surface 6 a of the cable 1 to definethe marks 7, 8 on the outer surface 6 a of the cable 1.

When the making unit 21 provides the first and second marks on the outer6 a of the cable 1, the pair of feeding belt units 25 of the cablecutting installation 20 feed the cable 1 along the arrow K.

The control unit 34 controls the valves 36 so that the nozzles 35 of thecoloring jet units 31 a, 31 b, and 31 c each jet the colorant by apredetermined amount toward the outer surface 6 a of the cable 1. Thesolvent or dispersion vaporizes so that the dye colors the sheathinglayer 6 or the pigment adheres to the outer surface 6 a of the sheathinglayer 6. A desired pattern of the first and second marks 7, 8 is definedon the outer surface 6 a of the cable 1.

After the electrical cable 1 is fed as much as a given length, the pairof feeding belt units 25 of the cutting installation 20 stop. The pairof cutting blades 29 and 30 of the cutting unit 24 cut the cable 1 thathas been provided with the first and second marks 7, 8 on the outersurface 6 a. Thus, the cable 1 having the first and second marks 7, 8 onthe outer surface 6 a is obtained as shown in FIG. 1.

In the embodiment, at the one end 1 a of the cable, the first mark 7 isprovided on the first surface 1 b while the second mark 8 is provided onthe second surface 1 c. The second mark is positioned in an oppositeside of the first mark. Therefore, the first and second marks 7, 8 areeasily recognized even when an outer surface of the cable is partiallyexposed.

Accordingly, the cables 1 are surely distinguished from each other atthe one end 1 a of the cable. Thus, terminals connected to an end of thecable are correctly received in corresponding terminal chamber of aconnector housing. This allows correct discrimination of the cables 1 sothat the cables 1 are correctly arranged during assembling of a wiringharness to keep quality of the wiring harness.

The first mark 7 having the first color R and the second mark 8 havingthe second color G are provided on the cable outer surface 6 a having amono color P. Thus, the first and second colors R and G provided on theouter surface 6 a having the mono color are changed to obtain varioustypes of the cable 1. Furthermore, a stock of the cables 1 can bereduced in a factory for producing the cables of the wiring harnesses.This reduces a production cost of the cables 1 and of products utilizingthe cables 1 such as the wiring harnesses.

On the first surface 1 b of the cable 1, the first and second marks 7, 8are longitudinally positioned in a row with a distance between. Thefirst and second marks 7, 8 of the cable 1 each have a circumferentialwidth H1 or H2 as shown In FIGS. 1 and 3. The width H1 or H2 can becomparatively large. Thus, the first and second marks 7, 8 are easilyrecognized, even when the cable has a small diameter.

Furthermore, the first mark has a length L1 and the second mark has alength L2. The length L1 is longer than the length L2, and the first andsecond marks 7, 8 are longitudinally positioned with a distancetherebetween. Thus, the first and second marks 7, 8 are easilyrecognized and distinguished from each other. This allows correctdiscrimination of the cables 1 so that the cables 1 are correctlyarranged during assembling of a wiring harness to keep quality of thewiring harness.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a second embodiment of the present inventionwill be discussed. The same component as that of the first embodiment isdesignated by the same reference numeral of the first embodiment. In thesecond embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7B, the first and secondmarks 7, 8 are arranged alternately on each of the first and secondsurfaces 1 b, 1 c over the overall length of the cable 1.

In the second embodiment, at the one end 1 a of the cable, the first andsecond marks 7, 8 are provided on the outer surface 6 a. The second mark8 is positioned in an opposite side of the first mark 7 at the one end 1a of the cable. The first and second marks 7, 8 are positionedsymmetrically with the axial center C. Likewise, the first and secondmarks 7, 8 provided on the surfaces 1 b, 1 c are oppositely andsymmetrically positioned with the axial center C of the cable.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C, the first mark 7has a length L1 and the second mark 8 has a length L2. The first andsecond marks 7, 8 are longitudinally positioned with a distance D1 or D2therebetween.

In the second embodiment, like the first embodiment, the second mark 8is positioned in an opposite side of the first mark 7 at the one end 1 aof the cable 1. Therefore, the first and second marks are easilyrecognized even when an outer surface of the cable is partially exposed.

Accordingly, the cables 1 are surely distinguished from each other atthe one end 1 a of the cable. Thus, terminals connected to an end of thecable are correctly received in corresponding terminal chambers of aconnector housing. This allows correct discrimination of the cables 1 sothat the cables 1 are correctly arranged during assembling of a wiringharness to keep quality of the wiring harness.

The first mark 7 having the first color R and the second mark 8 havingthe second color G are provided on the cable outer surface 6 a havingthe mono color P. Thus, the first and second colors R and G provided onthe outer surface 6 a having the mono color are changed to obtainvarious types of the cable 1. Furthermore, a stock of the cables 1 canbe reduced in a factory for producing the cables of the wiringharnesses. This reduces a production cost of the cables 1 and ofproducts utilizing the cables 1 such as wiring harnesses.

On each of the surfaces 1 b, 1 c of the cable 1, the first and secondmarks 7, 8 are longitudinally positioned in a row with a distancebetween. The first and second marks 7, 8 of the cable 1 each have acircumferential width H1 or H2 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The width H1or H2 can be comparatively large. Thus, the first and second marks 7, 8are easily recognized, even when the cable has a small diameter.

Furthermore, the first mark 7 has the length L1 and the second mark hasthe length L2. The length L1 is longer than the length L2, and the firstand second marks 7, 8 are longitudinally positioned with a distancetherebetween. Thus, the first and second marks 7, 8 each having thefirst or second color are easily recognized and distinguished from eachother. This allows correct discrimination of the cables 1 so that thecables 1 are correctly arranged during assembling of a wiring harness tokeep quality of the wiring harness.

In the aforementioned embodiments, a pair of the first and second marks7, 8 are provided on the one end 1 a of the cable 1. However, accordingto the present invention, the first and second marks 7, 8 may beprovided more than two at the one end 1 a. In FIG. 8, the first andsecond marks 7, 8 are three, which are arranged circumferentially withthe cable 1 with regular intervals D2. Even when more than two of thefirst and second marks 7, 8 are provided on the one end 1 a, at leastone of the second marks 8 is preferably positioned generally in theopposite side of the first mark 7.

In the aforementioned embodiments, the second mark 8 is positionedoppositely to the first mark 7 at the one end 1 a of the cable 1.However, according to the present invention, the second mark 8 ispositioned oppositely to the first mark 7 at a longitudinally middlepart of the cable 1.

In the aforementioned embodiments, the outer surface 6 a of the cable 1is white. However, according to the present invention, the outer surface6 a of the sheathing layer 6 may be non-colored without mixing acolorant into the resin of the sheathing layer 6. The mono-color P onthe outer surface 6 a of the sheathing layer 6 may be a bright colorhaving a brightness class not less than 8 defined by JIS (JapaneseIndustrial Standard).

In the aforementioned embodiments, the marking unit 21 has the threecoloring jet units 31. However, according to the present invention,there are provided two or more than three of the marking units 31 may beemployed.

In the aforementioned embodiments, the colorant liquid is jetted by agiven amount toward the outer surface 6 a of the cable 1 to define thefirst and second marks 7, 8. However, according to the presentinvention, the outer surface 6 a of the cable 1 may be partially dippedin a colorant liquid to define the first and second marks 7, 8.Furthermore, an aerosol of the colorant mixed with a pressurized gas maybe jetted on the outer surface 6 a of the sheathing layer 6 to definethe first and second marks 7, 8.

In the aforementioned embodiments, the marking unit 21 defining thefirst and second marks 7, 8 is mounted on the cutting installation 20.However, according to the present invention, the marking unit 21 may bemounted on an apparatus prepared in another step for completing thecables 1 to assemble a wiring harness.

In the aforementioned embodiments, the control unit 34 has a computerhaving a ROM, a RAM, and a CPU. However, the present invention may havea known digital circuit in place of the control unit 34. Preferably, thedigital circuit may have a circuit for counting pulse signals outputfrom the encoder 33 and another circuit for determining whether thevalve 36 shall be opened or closed based on the number of the pulsesignals.

The aforementioned embodiments describe the cables 1 used for completingwiring harnesses arranged in an automotive vehicle. However, the cables1 may be utilized for assembling various types of electronic instrumentsand electrical machines.

In the present invention, the coloring liquid and the paint material maybe acrylic paints, inks used as dies or pigments, UV (ultra violet)inks, etc.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY OF THE INVENTION

As discussed above, the second mark is positioned in the opposite sideof the first mark. Therefore, the first and second marks are easilyrecognized even when an outer surface of the cable is partially exposed.Thus, the first and second marks 7, 8 are easily recognized anddistinguished from each other. This allows correct desrimination of thecables 1 so that the cables 1 are correctly arranged during assemblingof a wiring harness to keep quality of the wiring harness.

Furthermore, The first and second marks are provided on the cable outersurface having the mono color. Thus, the first and second colorsprovided on the cable outer surface having the mono color are changed toobtain various types of the cables. Furthermore, a stock of the cablescan be reduced in a factory for producing the cables of the wiringharnesses. This reduces a production cost of the cables and of productsutilizing the cables such as the wiring harnesses.

In the present invention, the first and second marks are positioned atan end of the cable. Therefore, the first and second marks are easilyrecognized even when an outer surface of the cable is exposed only atthe end of the cable. This allows correct discrimination of the cablesso that the cables are correctly arranged during assembling of a wiringharness to keep quality of the wiring harness.

Regarding the invention, the sheathing layer of the cable has the firstand second outer surfaces each extending in a lateral direction of thecable. The first outer surface is positioned oppositely to the secondouter surface in a lateral direction of the cable. At least one of thefirst and second outer surfaces is provided with a plurality of thefirst and second marks that are alternately positioned. The first andsecond marks can have a comparitively larger, circumferential width.

Therefore, the first and second marks are easily recognized. This allowscorrect discrimination of the cables so that the cables are correctlyarranged during assembling of a wiring harness to keep quality of thewiring harness.

Regarding the present invention, at least three of the first and secondmarks are provided at the end of the cable. Thus, the first and secondmarks are surely recognized at the end of the cable. Therefore, thefirst and second marks are easily recognized even when an outer surfaceof the cable is exposed only at the end of the cable. Thisallows correctdescrimination of the cables so that the cables are correctly arrangedduring assembling of a wiring harness to keep quality of the wiringharness.

1. An electrical cable having a conductor core and a sheathing layercovering the core, the sheathing layer made of a synthetic resinmaterial and having an outer surface with a mono-color, the cablecomprising: a first mark having a first color and provided on a firstouter surface portion of an outer surface of the sheathing layer, and asecond mark having a second color and provided on a second outer surfaceportion of the outer surface of the sheathing layer, wherein the secondcolor is different from the first color, and the second outer surfaceportion is positioned opposite the first outer surface porton in acircumferential direction of the cable, the first and second markspositioned at an end of the cable so as to be opposite to each other inrelation to an axial center af the cable, wherein the sheathing layer ofthe cable has the first and second outer surface portions each extendingin a longitudinal direction of the cable, at least one of the first andsecond outer surface portions is provided with a plurality of the firstand second marks that are alternately positioned in the longitudinaldirection of the cable, and the first mark is longer than the secondmark in the longitudinal direction of the cable.
 2. The cable recited inclaim 1, wherein at least three of the first and second marks areprovided at the end of the cable in a circumferential direction of thecable with regular intervals.